Arenas Del Mar is a boutique eco-retreat on the edge of the Manuel Antonio National Park, at the point where the rainforest meets the sea. Two stunning beaches, spacious accommodation and tasty locally-sourced cuisine make this an ideal base for exploring the region, though you won't have to go too far to meet the local wildlife, with monkeys, sloths and raccoons regularly spotted in the hotel grounds.

Two-and-a-half hour drive from San José or a 40-minute domestic flight to Quepos followed by a 10-minute road transfer.

On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

The 38 well-appointed rooms and suites are housed in three-storey buildings amongst the hillside foliage. All rooms have air conditioning, a king size bed, flat screen cable TV, coffee maker, mini bar with complimentary local snacks, and complimentary WiFi. The first-floor Garden Rooms are simple but offer good value, whilst the Ocean Breeze Superior Rooms have a private deck facing the ocean, plus an outdoor kitchenette and seating area. Upgrade to an Ocean View Superior Room for unobstructed sea views, or opt for one of the spacious suites which offer a separate living area and a generous balcony with your own outdoor hot tub. Interconnecting room are also available for families.

Most of the food on offer at Arenas del Mar is locally sourced and organic, accompanied by a great selection of South American wines and local craft beers. El Mirador Restaurant & Bar offers à la carte breakfast and dinner with lovely ocean views, while Playitas Restaurant & Bar is next to the beach and serves lunch, smoothies and cocktails throughout the day. The hotel can also arrange an extra-special private dinner on your deck or down on the beach with your feet in the sand.

Bed & Breakfast

There are two swimming pools and a small wellness centre offering spa treatments, massages and complimentary yoga classes. Choose between two gorgeous sandy beaches, with golf buggies on hand to ferry you there and back, or head into the national park with one of the resident naturalist guides and explore the hiking trails, beaches and the vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife found there; look out for howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, two and three-toed sloths and over 350 species of birds. Other activities on offer in the local area include horse riding, kayaking, white water rafting, surfing, zip lining and birdwatching tours.

Manuel Antonio National Park is closed every Monday. The sea here can sometimes be rough and unsuitable for swimming.